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A painless way to learn more about the aftermath of the First World War. Painless, because it is a very readable book, with an easy, natural flow to the writing style (not at all pretentious, which is what is sometimes associated with the Goncourt Prize). The subject matter, however, is painful. The post-war apathy, disillusionment, cynicism and fraud are very well described. The author is great at maintaining pacing and characterisation throughout - his experience with exciting 'polar' narrative shows.
None of the characters are entirely likable, yet you get caught up in their (often self-inflicted) predicaments. Yes, sometimes it does feel a little like a soap opera. But then soap operas are today's manifestation of the romans fleuves - and this is very much in that style.